Scary Assumption

[PrometheusWanaB]

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As this application season draws to an end I am struck by an incredible idea. It stems from this: it doesn’t look like I’ll get into my #1 choice (PSU, Hershey). This is important because it is near my mother-in-law’s house, and if my wife and I want to start a family (which we desperately do) we need to live near her.

So here’s my idea: I could buy the house I want near Hershey, reapply to the med-school, and in the mean time get my MPA (Master’s of Public Administration), or at least take the first full year of a two year series. This idea is so good that even if I do get into Hershey I think I should delay a year (but I don’t think that will happen as they didn’t even invite me for an interview). BUT, if I move there, and I don’t get in then I am royally scr***d.

So here’s me at a snapshot:

MCAT: V-11, BS-12, PS-12, W-R; Total- 35R
Science GPA- 3.69
AO GPA- 2.89 (this stems from the early part of college, before I wanted to be a doctor, ouch!)
GPA- 3.20
age-24
AA. in Business Admin.

During one of my interviews a faculty member told me confidentially that if I don’t get in this year that the only thing I should change about my application is my clinical experience (I only had one 6 week pre-med observer, and a few days shadowing), but I think I needed better LoRs (I didn’t have any from doctors). I’ve already taken steps to remedy these areas (volunteering, etc…)

So here’s the issue:
My whole plan will only work if I get into Hershey next year. Even if I apply for the early decision (I think I can do that even though I am reapplying) I will not know until October 1st, but the first day of class for the MPA is in the end of June! I think it would be the perfect future for me (MD/MPA), but I don’t want to ruin my life by moving there and not getting in…please…help…getting…harder…

-Ian in a crisis

PS. I'm also going to post this in the reapplying folder, and I'll read up on both.

 

[RxnMan]

As this application season draws to an end I am struck by an incredible idea. It stems from this: it doesn’t look like I’ll get into my #1 choice (PSU, Hershey). This is important because it is near my mother-in-law’s house, and if my wife and I want to start a family (which we desperately do) we need to live near her.

So here’s my idea: I could buy the house I want near Hershey, reapply to the med-school, and in the mean time get my MPA (Master’s of Public Administration), or at least take the first full year of a two year series. This idea is so good that even if I do get into Hershey I think I should delay a year (but I don’t think that will happen as they didn’t even invite me for an interview). BUT, if I move there, and I don’t get in then I am royally scr***d.

So here’s me at a snapshot:

MCAT: V-11, BS-12, PS-12, W-R; Total- 35R
Science GPA- 3.69
AO GPA- 2.89 (this stems from the early part of college, before I wanted to be a doctor, ouch!)
GPA- 3.20
age-24
AA. in Business Admin.

During one of my interviews a faculty member told me confidentially that if I don’t get in this year that the only thing I should change about my application is my clinical experience (I only had one 6 week pre-med observer, and a few days shadowing), but I think I needed better LoRs (I didn’t have any from doctors). I’ve already taken steps to remedy these areas (volunteering, etc…)

So here’s the issue:
My whole plan will only work if I get into Hershey next year. Even if I apply for the early decision (I think I can do that even though I am reapplying) I will not know until October 1st, but the first day of class for the MPA is in the end of June! I think it would be the perfect future for me (MD/MPA), but I don’t want to ruin my life by moving there and not getting in…please…help…getting…harder…

-Ian in a crisis

PS. I'm also going to post this in the reapplying folder, and I'll read up on both.

What are you asking? I don't see a single question mark in there.

 

[Depakote]

My advice.

1. If you're holding an acceptance. Take it. You can never count on a sure acceptance down the road, especially with aging MCAT scores, you don't want to have to take that thing again. (they're only good for 3 years, remember)

2. It is foolish to base a whole application year on one school. Adcoms are fickle. Your application can get tossed for the smallest detail at one school and made by the smallest strength at another. Don't count on it working out, hedge your bets.

 

[Hooah!80]

My advice.

1. If you're holding an acceptance. Take it. You can never count on a sure acceptance down the road, especially with aging MCAT scores, you don't want to have to take that thing again. (they're only good for 3 years, remember)

2. It is foolish to base a whole application year on one school. Adcoms are fickle. Your application can get tossed for the smallest detail at one school and made by the smallest strength at another. Don't count on it working out, hedge your bets.

I agree 100%. My wife and I have our first choice for much the same reasons as you. However, I have a few other acceptances, and if we don't get our first choice, I am going to take the best acceptance out of those that I have and run with it...even if it means delaying a family, or a little more inconvenience if we start one. Adcoms are strange and flawed. You can never count on anything from them. So, if you turn down what you have now for the off chance that you'll get what you want next year, you may find yourself in a nice nursing program close to your mother-in-law's house....take the acceptance.

 

[db1]

You are only 24, and I assume your wife is about the same age. I would suggest putting off having a family either way. Enjoy your 20's, have fun in med school, kids change everything. Move to Hershey for residency and start a family after your internship, you'll only be 29-30. I know that may sound old to you, but it really isn't. I am 33, had my first child when I was 30, and out of all of my friends with kids I was the youngest to start a family. Kids are great, but a huge drain on time and finances.

 

[Nodelphi]

You don't really need to delay having a family. It's not the easiest thing to do in the world but it is doable. My wife and I already have a daughter and we have a first choice medical school that's close to family for the same reasons you suggest. Still, we've crunched the numbers and even if we go to my safety school we'll be able to get by. We won't be living like kings but there are plenty of programs out there to help someone, especially those with a dependant or two, go to medical school.

My advice, hope for the best but go to school wherever you get in. Talk to your financial advisors early and often and don't stress, things have a way of working out. 🙂